A guide to saying it like a local
How to Say "That's too expensive" in Spanish
Learn to say 'that's too expensive' in Spanish to negotiate prices or express sticker shock.
Eso es muy caro.
EH-so es moo-ee KAH-roneutral
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Use this phrase when you're shopping and the price of an item is higher than you expected or can afford. It's a direct way to communicate your reaction to the cost.
Alternatives
- Es demasiado caro.Slightly more emphatic, 'It's *too* expensive.'
- Qué caro.More of an exclamation, like 'How expensive!'
Ways to get it wrong
Confusing 'caro' with 'car' (car)
'Caro' means expensive; a car is 'un coche' or 'un carro'.
Using 'muy' incorrectly
While 'muy' means 'very', 'mucho/mucha/muchos/muchas' means 'a lot of' and is used with nouns.
A small cultural note
In many Latin American countries, prices are often negotiable, especially in markets. Don't be afraid to use this phrase as a starting point for bargaining.
Frequently asked
How to say that's too expensive in Spanish?
The most common way is 'Eso es muy caro.' You can also say 'Es demasiado caro' for a stronger emphasis.
Is 'muy caro' formal or casual?
'Muy caro' is neutral and works in most everyday situations. For very formal settings, you might use more elaborate phrasing, but this is generally understood.
Can I bargain with 'Eso es muy caro'?
Yes, this phrase is often used as an opening to negotiate prices in markets or with street vendors in many Spanish-speaking regions.
